# US-Latin American anti-narcotics cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-latin-american-anti-narcotics-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-08-19T11:20:34.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is expanding its strategic partnerships with Latin American and Caribbean nations to combat transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.

In the Dominican Republic, officials credited a strategic alliance with the U.S. for dismantling crime networks, specifically highlighting joint training and professional development through the graduation of a Sensitive Investigation Unit in Virginia. 

During the 40th International Drug Control Conference (IDEC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, organized by the DEA and the Argentine government, representatives from over 100 countries gathered to coordinate strategies against transnational crime. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole identified Argentina as a ‘model for the region’ and characterized Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch as a ‘trusted partner,’ a notable gesture given the complex bilateral security relations between the U.S. and Mexico. Mexico reported a 51 percent reduction in intentional homicides during the first 22 months of its current administration.

The conference also served as a platform for regional recognition. The DEA acknowledged Costa Rican Attorney General Carlo Díaz Sánchez for his country’s collaboration. Additionally, Guatemalan Attorney General Gabriel García Luna confirmed ongoing U.S. support for specialized units tasked with investigating drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption within political structures linked to illicit activities.

## Claims

- The 40th International Drug Control Conference (IDEC) was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- More than 100 countries participated in the IDEC conference to coordinate strategies against transnational organized crime. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- DEA Administrator Terrance Cole described Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch as a ‘trusted partner’. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Argentina serves as a regional model for combating drug trafficking. (single source)
- The DEA will continue to support specialized units combating drug trafficking, money laundering, and illicit financing. (single source)
- The DEA granted recognition to the Costa Rican Attorney General for collaboration in fighting drug trafficking. (single source)
- U.S. support extends to investigations involving political power structures linked to drug trafficking. (single source)
- Mexico reported a 51 percent reduction in intentional homicides during the first 22 months of the current administration. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: IDEC Conference in Buenos Aires strengthens global drug trafficking cooperation

At the 40th IDEC conference in Buenos Aires, the DEA strengthened ties with Latin American nations, praising Argentina as a regional model and labeling Mexico’s security chief a ‘trusted partner’.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dea-strengthens-cooperation-with-latin-american-nations-at-idec-conference

### 2026-07-26: Dominican Drug Agency Chief Credits US Partnership for Caribbean Narcotics Dismantling

Dominican drug agency chief José M. Cabrera Ulloa praised US partnership at a Quantico graduation, saying joint training helped dismantle Caribbean drug networks.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-drug-agency-chief-credits-us-partnership-for-caribbean-narcotics-dismantling

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Cite as: US-Latin American anti-narcotics cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-latin-american-anti-narcotics-cooperation